600 re-enactors in Civil War Days July 11-12 in Wauconda
Hear the crack of gunfire and the boom of cannons at the Lake County Forest Preserve District's 24th annual Civil War Days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.
Civil War Days is the largest Civil War re-enactment in northern Illinois. This annual event draws more than 600 re-enactors from seven states and 6,000 visitors from Illinois and surrounding areas. The event features infantry, cavalry and artillery re-enactors, as well as musicians, sutlers, historical figures and civilians.
Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the military and civilian camps to learn about life in the 1860s. In the civilian camps and Civil War shops, visitors can meet blacksmiths, quilters, tin smiths and other historical figures from the era. In the military camps, re-enactors bring to life activities such as payday, weapon checks, mail call and drills.
While exploring the grounds, visitors can meet historical figures including Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and generals Lee, Jackson, Custer, Grant and Sherman. Kids can enjoy special period crafts and games, period magic show and complete a scavenger hunt around the site.
Visitors can experience a recreation of the 1863 Agricultural Fair, which features public amusements and horticultural and domestic arts exhibitions. A large Civil War-era shopping area and period music and entertainment are also featured. Visitors can bring a picnic lunch or purchase food at the event.
The event culminates each day with a narrated battle re-enactment, at 3 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. These one-hour battles feature artillery, cavalry and infantry re-enactors. This year's battles at Civil War Days will be McClernand's assault at Vicksburg on Saturday and The Battle of Fort Blakely on Sunday.
Lakewood Forest Preserve and the Lake County Discovery Museum are on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road in Wauconda.
Tickets include parking and free admission to the museum. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and $5 for youth ages 4 to 17. Children 3 and under are free. Active duty military personnel and their families (up to five members) are free as part of the Blue Star Museums program. Military veterans are free.
Download and bring discount admission coupons, or purchase advance tickets online and coupon is automatically applied. Visit www.lcfpd.org/museum/events/ or call (847) 968-3400.